The July front windows of the Corner Gallery will feature new art made by selected individuals who participated in last September’s ’We Are You’ project. All are residents of Building Bridges, and the art that they have been working on all year reflects their talent and drive to express themselves through paint, graphite, clay, paper, textiles and found objects. Entitled ‘Art and Soul,’ the show will be a giant step for all of the participants.

Ray Benitez, who has submitted half a dozen paintings, plus some sculptures, says, “I can’t believe that I have this opportunity. Creating new work for this show is really giving my life meaning.” Tim Carmack chimes in, “I’ve been working all of last semester in my ceramics class at the college to get two pieces done. One pot is so big that I didn’t think I could do it, but I was really motivated to keep going and finish it. I’m really proud of it.” Monica Newell, who is a new resident at the shelter, jumped at the opportunity to display a large painting that she has been working on for a number of years. “It’s really personal,” she says, “and it’s hard for me to put it out there in the world… but when I heard about the show I knew I had to get brave and do it.”